Sparxell to scale plant-based pigment technology

Sparxell, a bioinspired colour technology company, has secured $5 million in pre-Series A funding to expand the production of its plant-based pigments. The company plans to use the investment to increase its manufacturing capacity, speed up product certification for use in textiles, cosmetics, and the automotive sector, and grow its team with new roles focused on business development.

Its patented technology uses cellulose sourced from wood pulp to create colour through a natural structural process. By arranging cellulose crystals to reflect specific wavelengths of light, Sparxell produces pigments without the use of petroleum-based chemicals, synthetic dyes, heavy metals, or mineral pigments.

According to the company, Sparxell’s pigments are biodegradable and suitable for circular economy systems. Unlike traditional dyes, which often remain in the environment and make recycling difficult, the cellulose-based pigments are designed to naturally break down.

Founder and chief executive Dr Benjamin Droguet said the technology is not just an alternative but a long-term solution, offering strong performance inspired by nature. He explained that the new funding will help the company move from proof of concept to full production and commercial launches.

He added that brands are facing growing pressure to remove synthetic and harmful substances from their supply chains. Regulatory momentum is also increasing, with Europe moving toward banning PFAS chemicals, enforcing restrictions on microplastics, and the US Food and Drug Administration reviewing synthetic colour additives.